y, a number of ships were
seen with all sails set coming out of the river. They proved to be
richly-laden merchantmen bound for the Brazils. As they approached, our
squadron got under weigh, and before the Brazilian ships had time to
retreat we surrounded them and captured the whole. As they were
well-armed, the officers and crews being removed, we sent all the men we
could spare on board, and thus nine fine vessels were added to the
strength of our fleet. Winter was approaching, and with it came heavy
gales, greatly trying our ships. Information had been received that
another richly-laden fleet from the Brazils was expected in the river.
We accordingly, our ships having been carefully fitted to encounter the
fiercest storms, got under weigh and stood out to sea in order to watch
for it. We had not long to wait, when one of the look-out frigates
brought intelligence which made us all on the alert.

The commander stated that he had counted no less than twenty-three sail
approaching under all the canvas they could carry.

On they came. The admiral ordered the signal to be thrown out to
prepare for action. The Portuguese fleet approached, supposing our
ships to be those of their own nation; and as far as we could judge,
were in no way ready for battle. They advanced in gallant array, their
admiral leading, but as they drew nearer their suspicions must have been
aroused. They were soon convinced that we had hostile intentions, when
the _Tiger_, standing across the bows of the flag-ship, ordered her to
strike and heave to. A shot which struck us was the answer, when
tacking so as to bring our other broadside to bear, we commenced firing
away as fast as our guns could be run in and loaded.

The other ships imitated our example, each engaging one, and some two or
three of the enemy. Again our commander ordered the Portuguese admiral
to strike, but he refused, notwithstanding the fearful punishment we
were inflicting on him. Our shots, fired at short range, were going
through and through the sides between wind and water. Presently one of
the enemy's ships astern of us was seen to be on fire. The flames
spread rapidly, bursting out from her ports and climbing the tall masts.
Another and another was speedily in the same predicament. The fate of
these ships brought terror into the hearts of the enemy. Now the flag
of a large ship attacked by the _Resolution_ was hauled down. Now
another struck, and quickly the